Colombia voters reject peace deal with FARC rebels

Colombians have rejected a peace deal to end 52 years of war with Farc insurgents.

With counting completed from 98% of polling stations, the no vote led with 50.23% to 49.76%, a difference of 61,000 votes.

The verdict on the deal between the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC means it cannot now be implemented, despite four years of intense negotiations.

Both government and rebels have repeatedly said that the deal was the best they could achieve and a renegotiation would not be possible.

Following the announcement, Santos said he would send his negotiators back to Havana to meet with FARC leaders on Monday. “I will not give up,” he said in a televised address. “I will continue seeking peace until the a last day of my presidency,” adding that the bilateral ceasefire that has been in place since 29 August would continue.

The Farc leader, Rodrigo Londono, said the insurgent group maintained its desire for peace despite the failure of a referendum to approve its recently signed deal with the government.

“The Farc reiterates its disposition to use only words as a weapon to build toward the future,” said Londono. “To the Colombian people who dream of peace, count on us, peace will triumph.”